10 signs your feet are warning you about a thyroid problem

Snuggled in a fluffy white bathrobe in an upscale spa, I was waiting to have my feet pampered with a deluxe pedicure as the basin was filling with warm, fragrant water.

“Your feet are extremely dry with thick, hardened skin on your heels that have deep cracks. I see feet like this in women with sickness,” the woman remarked, a little too loudly, inspecting my feet at close range.

“What type of sickness?” I whispered, feeling very embarrassed as people in the crowded spa turned to gawk at my feet.

“You should see your doctor about your feet.”

This woman giving me a pedicure could see as plain as day the signs of a serious health condition right there in my feet, but it would take 10 more years to finally receive my formal diagnosis: severe hypothyroidism.

1. Dry, flaky, cracked feet with calluses

In 2012, a study was designed to identify the cutaneous (skin) manifestations of hypothyroidism, an under-active thyroid. Of the four hundred and sixty diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism, 300 patients (65.22%) presented with dry, coarse skin.[1] In another study that same year, 100% of subjects with hypothyroidism had coarse, rough, dry skin. Palmoplantar keratoderma, found in 33%, is a term that refers to a group of skin conditions with marked thickening of the skin in the soles of the feet and palms of the hands.[2] Hyperthyroidism, over-active thyroid, due to the autoimmune condition Graves’ disease may also present with thickened dermis.[3] While it may seem contradictory, it is often the case that some symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism present the same.

2. Itchy feet

Pruritus is the medical term for itchy skin. Chronic pruritus can present in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Itchiness can happen all over the body not just the feet, including the legs, scalp, and even the genitalia. In the case of hypothyroidism, it may be that the very dry skin is the cause of the itchiness. Researchers suggest that pruritus and even chronic urticaria (chronic hives) may be associated with thyroid autoimmunity, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease (Graves’ disease is the term used in the United States and the term Basedow’s disease is more commonly used in Europe.)[4] When you develop one autoimmune condition, you are more vulnerable to develop multiple autoimmune conditions. It is, therefore, important to mention that the Cleveland Clinic lists several autoimmune conditions associated with chronic pruritus including Sjögren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome, lichen planus, and psoriasis.[5]

3. Cold feet

Thyroid pioneer Dr. Broda Barnes (1906-1988) wrote, “When thyroid function is low, circulation is reduced. In advanced cases of hypothyroidism, the skin, in fact, may receive as little as one-fourth to one-fifth the normal blood supply.”[6] Our extremities, including our feet, are particularly vulnerable to poor circulation especially in cold seasons. “The metabolic needs of the skin may be sacrificed over prolonged periods in order that body temperature may be kept constant. In a cold environment, when body heat must be conserved, sympathetic impulses constrict the cutaneous vessels and blood flow through the skin is conspicuously reduced in order to prevent body temperature from falling.”[7]

4. Swollen feet

Heart disease, kidney dysfunction, diabetes, and skin infections are common culprits considered when a patient presents with swelling of legs and feet, but the possibility of hypothyroidism should always be considered. Swelling (edema) is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism and this includes swelling all over the body. In 2013, a 21-year-old presented with generalized swelling including pitted edema in both legs and feet. In contrast to non-pitting edema, pressing of the pitting edema will cause an indentation to remain on the skin well after the pressure is released. Her edema subsided with thyroid medication. According to professor of medicine Dr. Neki, peripheral (the extremities including the arms, legs, feet, and hands) is found in 55% of hypothyroidism patients and periorbital edema (swelling around the orbits of the eyes) is found in 22%.[8]

5. Foot pain and cramping

Muscle, joint and nerve pains are not usually stressed as primary symptoms of hypothyroidism, but after years of hearing from hypothyroid patients at Hypothyroid Mom, there is one thing that I am certain about. Full thyroid testing should be conducted on every single person that presents with chronic pain or fibromyalgia.

The number of people that write to Hypothyroid Mom about plantar fasciitis, the pain along the bottom of the foot especially the heel that shoots through them especially when they step out of bed in the morning, can’t be a mere coincidence. In the case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, the immune system can also attack the joints and muscles frequently in the feet and ankles. Like carpal tunnel syndrome, thyroid patients are also more vulnerable to develop tarsal tunnel syndrome.[9] Add to this the increased risk of developing gout [10] and burning feet from painful neuropathy [11], and the incidence of foot pain in thyroid disease becomes very clear.

6. Tingling, numb, pins and needles sensation in feet

Paresthesia can present in hypothyroidism. Researchers explain that the axonal myelin sheath, the insulating layer around nerves, begins to degenerate without sufficient thyroid hormone, and regeneration of damaged nerves also slows. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, pernicious anemia, arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes can all present with paresthesia. I would guess that the majority of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease patients that follow Hypothyroid Mom have multiple autoimmune diseases.[12]

7. Foot Infections

Susceptibility to infections of the feet, hands, fingernails, and toenails occurs in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease and this includes Onychomycosis and Athlete’s foot.[13]

8. Smelly feet

One of the classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism is excessive sweating, and that includes the feet. Sweat on your skin is a breeding ground for bacteria, and that can make things smelly. While hypothyroidism tends to result in markedly reduced sweating, the opposite is true as well, in particular in the case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hyperthyroid symptoms including increased sweating may occur simultaneously with symptoms of hypothyroidism in the case of Hashimoto’s. As antibodies attack and destroy thyroid cells, their stored supplies of thyroid hormone are released into the blood stream. These bursts or “leakages” of thyroid hormones in Hashimoto’s are responsible for the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.[14]

9. Yellow soles of feet

Thyroid hormone is required for the conversion of beta-carotene (that’s what gives carrots their orange color) to vitamin A. Buildup of beta-carotene in the case of hypothyroidism will be stored in the outer layer of the skin including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.[15]

10. Toenail alterations

Too much thyroid hormone and too little can result in abnormalities of the nails, both the fingernails and toenails.[16-18]

Nail changes in hypothyroidism:

Slow nail growth

Thick, dry, cracked, brittle nails

Yellow nails

Dry cuticles

Longitudinal ridges

Onycholysis (separation of nail from nail bed)

Spoon nails (koilonychia)

Nail changes in hyperthyroidism:

Fast nail growth

Pitted and discolored nails

Absent lunulae (half moons) and cuticles

Onycholysis (Plummer’s nail)

Acropahy (clubbing of fingers & toes)

Our feet can tell us a great deal about our thyroid health. They often show obvious signs of disease years and even decades before a thyroid diagnosis.

Dana Trentini B.S. summa cum laude, M.A., Ed.M., founded Hypothyroid Mom October 2012 in memory of the unborn baby she lost to hypothyroidism. This is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consulting your physician regarding medical advice pertaining to your health. Hypothyroid Mom includes affiliate links including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Connect with Dana on Google+

Wow! I was at a loss as to why all of a sudden (in the past year) my feet hurt and became calloused. I’ve been on Synthroid for around 20 years. Had a complete Thyroidectomy about 8 years ago. Recent labs showed that my levels were off and my Synthroid was increased. Vitamin D is still too low. Now waiting for my body to adjust to it.
Thanks for the info!

I too have issues with my thyroid. My feet were terrbly swollen and I would get to achy and super stiff, if I sat too long- They increased my medication and it helped a little, but still no relief. My feet would ache. About 4 months ago I tried the autoimmune diet for 30 days. I pulled everything out of my diet that caused inflammation And then slowly added each item back in. The culprit for me was Dairy. I have since pulled dairy out of my diet and feel so much better. My feet are pretty much back to normal and I hardly feel stiff. Just thought I would share.

Hi Deb,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and have uncomfortable foot pain especially after sitting for extended period, and swollen fingers. Do you mind sharing the process you followed with the diet?what did you eat for 30 days?? I would love to try it and any advice would be appreciated.

My 26 year old daughter just tested positive for Hashimoto’s. She has been having symptoms of fatigue, swollen feet and fingers and itchy rash, weight gain. The rash is always on hands feet and forearms. Endocrinologist now wants to send her to a rheumatologist. She has been on Levothyroxine for a year from previous doctor who diagnosed hypothyroid but not Hashimoto’s. New doctor increased her dosage. Is it normal to see rheumatologist after the Hashimoto’s diagnosis? Are these the symptoms most people have or is it something else? Worried sick mother!

Have your Dr or her on cytomel (liothyronine). It will make a world of difference! I suffered the effects of Hoshimotos for more than 15 years before I found a Dr that gave me more relief than any other I have ever seen. She put me on the cytomel in addition to the Synthroid (levothyroxine). This Dr treats the symptoms not the numbers, which I can not express enough to find a Dr that does this. If you’re anywhere close to north Texas, go to Denton to see Carolyn Garner. I promise it will be worth your time and you won’t regret it.

Hi Laura, have been given the option to add t3 to my synthroid (8 years on this). Scared of going hyper and it’s side effects. However right now my free t3 is just under normal while tsh and free t4 are optimal. Have hypo symptoms still but also some hyper now. You seem really positive about adding t3. No issues??

Hashimoto’s is my diagnosis & I have swelling especially in my left leg. I could never figure out why I have this problem never once thought it was due to my hypothyroidism. Once we drove from Fl to Wi in one jump & I swelled up like the Goodyear Man. It took days to get back to normal size. Again never thought the reason was hypothyroidism. This disease is a real bear to live with.

Hi Deb, This is Dana Trentini from Hypothyroid Mom. There are different possible causes for edema but hypothyroidism is a big one. There are problems with the way that thyroid disease is tested and treated. I wrote this article which includes the full lab tests to ensure you’ve had run and optimal ranges. What is normal may not be normal for you.

Hi Carolyn, This is Dana Trentini from Hypothyroid Mom. I used to pay for a pedicure every few weeks to keep my dry, cracked, callused feet under control. Optimal thyroid treatment has absolutely helped, but the calluses didn’t completely go away, much better but not completely gone. I found it getting too costly to go regularly for pedicures so I bought the same items used in the salons to do them at home online at low prices and they work like a charm: this pedicure rasp (I even do them dry with this rasp for a quick clean): https://amzn.to/2P2b5Or When I do a more thorough clean I soak my feet and then apply this callus remover and wait 10 or so minutes (I put bags on my feet and tie them at the ankles if I want to walk around while the lotion is on): https://amzn.to/2DSez52 and then at the end of my pedicure I apply O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream: https://amzn.to/2RcKcJy

Look on the internet for a product called Glysolid..it works great. Scrub your feet as best you can and work this into the dry areas. You can out socks on at night to help. It may take a little while but it does work.

For years and years had pain getting up in the heels and after getting up after sitting .. suffered for months then the pain subsided.. it came back for a time and went again.. I had problems with the skin on my feet for years and also burning itching / pins and needles on my thigh mainly .. it drove me potty.. then I had the fatigue and a breakdown.. I was diagnosed among other things of hypothyroidism.. on tablets a year on the symptoms are almost gone .. the fatigue is still a battle but it’s so much better than at my worst.. a work in progress.. I concur with this theory wholeheartedly

Afew years ago now,i woke up and couldent walk. My heels were so sore. I got out of bed and no kidding ittook me 5/10 mins to walk but still in pain.This was every time i every morning, sat down, stopped walking. I went tothe Doc’s and even without looking at the problem said “ its your Hypothroid” How the hell can it be me Hpo.its me ankles.” Went to the Docs 6 times over4 months, he told me the same thing……..Woke up one morning and the pain had gone. Still have this now and again but not has bad as the first time.5/3/57